Inside the dome, a magnificent neotropical rainforest stretches 90 feet above. Following the spiral path up through the sphere, you'll encounter three levels of rainforest from three distinct ecosystems: a Bornean forest floor, a Madagascan mid-story, and the canopy of a Costa Rican forest.

From the canopy, plunge (via elevator) four stories down for a beneath-the-surface view of an Amazonian flooded forest. At each stage of the journey, you'll come face-to-face with some of the incredible animals that call these forests home.

Please note: The rainforest exhibit will be closed from September 5-October 12. We apologize for any inconvenience. The rainforest will reopen on October 13 with a brand new, immersive cave experience and many more exciting updates.

Coming Soon: A Refreshed Rainforest

The rainforest will be closed for updates through October 12. We're excited to unveil a revitalized, refreshed exhibit that will feature over a dozen new animal species, seven new observation stations, four new interactive experiences, and much more. We apologize for any inconvenience and look forward to welcoming you back on October 13.

Butterflies Aflutter

Watch the life cycle of tropical butterflies and moths unfold before your eyes. In our new butterfly emergence chamber on the top floor of the rainforest, you'll see shiny chrysalises and structurally impressive cocoons alongside butterflies stretching their newly formed wings.

About the Dome

Housed within a spectacular 90-foot-diameter glass dome, our rainforest exhibit is the largest of its kind in the world. With temperatures of 82–85 degrees and humidity at 75 percent or above, it will instantly transport you to some of the most biodiverse places on Earth.

Tropical Flora

The rainforest's living plants include trees like the Brazilian beauty leaf and West Indies mahogany, dozens of shrubs—including Theobroma cacao, the plant from which chocolate is made—and hundreds of flowering plants, from begonias and philodendrons to orchids and bromeliads.

Animals of the Rainforest

More than 1,600 live animals reside in our rainforest dome, including 250 free-flying birds and butterflies and close to 100 exotic reptiles and amphibians. From the bright flashes of blue morpho butterflies to the jewel-like colors of poison-dart frogs, you'll see fauna at its most dazzling.

The Flooded Forest

Surround yourself with hundreds of tropical, freshwater fish by taking the flooded forest tunnel, a transparent passage that plunges right through our 100,000-gallon Amazonian tank. See cichlids dart through the roots of a mangrove cluster while giant arapaima soar overhead.

The California Academy of Sciences is a renowned scientific and educational institution dedicated to exploring, explaining, and sustaining life on Earth. Based in San Francisco’s Golden Gate Park, it is home to a world-class aquarium, planetarium, and natural history museum—all under one living roof.